Trending Now: May’s Most Popular Grants

May’s Most Popular Grants are blossoming with vibrant spring energy: think fresh starts, outdoor activity, community movement, and funding that supports people getting active again. Nonprofits and other grant seekers are waking up to warmer weather programming. From sports programs and hiking initiatives to gardening projects and STEM-powered outdoor learning, grant funding is stepping up to fuel healthier, more connected communities. Whether you’re building trails, growing food, teaching science outside, or strengthening local recreation, grants are helping turn spring momentum into real-world impact.

And GrantWatch levels the playing field and makes exploring May’s most popular grants fun and easy. With nearly 1200 active sports and recreation grant listings across the country, grant seekers can discover opportunities no matter their location, background, or project size.

The following 16 grants are only a small sample of evergreen funding opportunities available nationwide

May’s Most Popular Grants

1. Equestrian Course Design Grant ($3,000)

Grants support U.S. equestrian professionals attending international conferences or clinics focused on cross-country course design. Designed for certified FEI Level II or III designers who are USEA members in good standing.

🐎For more information on deadlines, rules, and requirements, click here to subscribe.

2. Sports & Cultural Event Sponsorships

Corporate sponsorships support major sports and cultural events in the U.S., Canada, and internationally. Focused on programs with large regional or national impact and strong community or branding benefits.

🎭For more information on deadlines, rules, and requirements, click here to subscribe.

3. Community Conservation & Engagement Grants (Up to $5,000)

Support for nonprofits and public institutions working on local projects that connect communities to wildlife, conservation, and outdoor engagement near select retail regions in the U.S. and Canada.

🌿For more information on deadlines, rules, and requirements, click here to subscribe.

4. Equine Education & Training Grants (Up to $3,000)

Funding helps riders, trainers, and educators improve skills in conditioning, fitness, and eventing education—supporting the full equestrian ecosystem.

🐴For more information on deadlines, rules, and requirements, click here to subscribe.

5. Community Impact Grants

Nonprofits across multiple U.S. states can receive funding for arts, health, education, human services, and sports programs that improve quality of life in their communities.

🎨For more information on deadlines, rules, and requirements, click here to subscribe.

6. Tennis Facility Development Grants

Support for tennis centers includes construction, renovation, accessibility upgrades, and technology improvements. Open to public-facing facilities that meet membership requirements.

🎾For more information on deadlines, rules, and requirements, click here to subscribe.

7. Youth Swimming Education Grants

Funding supports certified swim instructors teaching children and youth essential swimming skills through structured, low-ratio lessons and recognized curriculum programs.

🏊For more information on deadlines, rules, and requirements, click here to subscribe.

8. Trail Maintenance Grants ($250)

Small but powerful funding for individuals and groups maintaining or improving hiking trails, parks, and off-road recreational spaces through cleanups and restoration projects.

🥾For more information on deadlines, rules, and requirements, click here to subscribe.

9. Yoga Access In-Kind Grants

Certified instructors and therapists receive free yoga mats to expand access to yoga in underserved communities, supporting wellness, healing, and outreach programs.

🧘For more information on deadlines, rules, and requirements, click here to subscribe.

10. Youth Sports Access Support

Income-eligible families receive digital assistance cards to help children ages 4–18 participate in recreational sports programs through Medicaid, SNAP, or WIC eligibility.

🏅For more information on deadlines, rules, and requirements, click here to subscribe.

11. Camp Improvement Grants

Funding supports camps serving youth with bleeding disorders, helping improve facilities, equipment, and overall camping experiences for participants.

🏕️For more information on deadlines, rules, and requirements, click here to subscribe.

12. Brownfield Repurposing Support (In-Kind)

Nonprofits receive expert guidance and planning support to transform unused brownfield sites into farms, parks, trails, and vibrant community spaces.
🌱For more information on deadlines, rules, and requirements, click here to subscribe.

13. Adaptive Sports Grants for Veterans

Support for veterans and service members with physical disabilities to access adaptive sports programs that promote rehabilitation, movement, and competition.

🏃For more information on deadlines, rules, and requirements, click here to subscribe.

14. Youth Rugby Equipment Support

Schools and clubs receive rugby balls to grow youth participation in boys’, girls’, and co-ed programs across the country.

🏉For more information on deadlines, rules, and requirements, click here to subscribe.

15. Rowing Athlete Grants

Funding supports elite and emerging rowers with training and competition expenses, including athletes from underrepresented backgrounds and national team contenders.

🚣For more information on deadlines, rules, and requirements, click here to subscribe.

16. Jewish Summer Camp Grants

Support helps families send children to overnight Jewish summer camps for meaningful cultural and community experiences, including first-time campers.

✡️For more information on deadlines, rules, and requirements, click here to subscribe.

One Last Word

May’s Most Popular Grants are all about motion, growth, and community energy. If you’re ready to explore what’s out there, GrantWatch is your gateway to funding that moves with the season.

About GrantWatch

Libby Hikind, author of The Queen of Grants series: The Queen of Grants: From Teacher to Grant Writer to CEO, and The Queen of Grants 2: GrantTalk Secrets for the New Era of Writing, founded GrantWatch.com, the largest advanced grant search engine in the United States. The platform features over 11,000 active, verified, and human-curated grant opportunities in more than 61 funding categories. Additionally, it lists grants for nonprofits, grants for small businesses, grants for government agencies, and grants for Individuals.

GrantWatch also offers innovative funding tools like the AI Grant Writing Tool, AI Grant Searching Tool, and My Grant Calendar, making it easier to find grants, track deadlines, and draft proposals. Members can upgrade to MemberPlus+ for complete grant details, eligibility criteria, and application information. With 21 powerful features, live customer support, and weekly GrantTalk podcast episodes, GrantWatch is the go-to resource for finding grants and turning funding opportunities into awarded grants. 

Libby is also the author of several children’s books and companion coloring books, available at libbyhikind.com.